Working lunch: L’Escargot, 48 Greek Street, London W1
Expect One of London’s oldest and best-known French restaurants, which has been refurbished recently. The service is seamless, whether you are a regular or a first-timer
Order Snails are the house speciality but there are plenty of other choices on the seasonal menu, many of them tried-and-tested traditional French dishes, such as lobster bisque, steak frites and duck confit. Start with chilli crab with pickled cucumber or beetroot-cured salmon, then a main course such as braised short ribs of beef with girolles, add a couple of side dishes and one of the desserts such as tarte tatin or Grand Marnier soufflé. Pay about £45 without wine
Times+ event: Talent and productivity for mid-sized businesses
Radisson Blu Edwardian, Manchester, Nov 4, 8.30-10.10am
Join The Times and Vodafone for debate and advice on how entrepreneurs can attract the brightest and best talent and how to keep staff productive. Columnist Sathnam Sanghera hosts a panel including Simon Swan, founder of hiring-hub.com, and James Hickie, lecturer in enterprise at the University of Manchester. Tickets are £10 at ticketmaster.co.uk/timesplus